Premier League hopeful over technology

The Premier League hope to implement goal-line technology 'as soon as is practically possible'

The Premier League remains hopeful of implementing goal-line technology in time for the start of next season.

FIFA's announcement on Tuesday that it will introduce the technology for the first time at this year's Confederations Cup will have little bearing on the Premier League's schedule for its use in this country.

"The Premier League has been a long-term advocate for goal-line technology," a statement from the Premier League read. "We have held discussions with FIFA licensed providers with a view to introducing it as soon as is practically possible."

Plans have been in place since last year when the Premier League met with the two currently-licensed GLT companies, Hawk-eye and GoalRef, to install the system at top-flight matches. That could be as early as next season after successful tests at last December's Club World Cup in Japan.

While the Premier League is unwilling to set down an exact date for the system's first use - a tendering process between the GLT companies is still to begin - there is a desire to have it ready by August.

One of the delaying factors in introducing a new system could be over the decision of which company to employ.

While both Hawk-Eye, a British-based company, and Goal-Ref were used at the Club World Cup their co-existence was in order to test each against the other. It is understood the Premier League would look to agree a deal with only one of the companies.

FIFA granted licenses to both last year, which prompted the Premier League to begin talks, but it is reported up to two new companies could be given the green light by April.

That could yet muddy the waters further of a Premier League decision.

In Tuesday's statement FIFA welcomed tenders from "the GLT providers currently in the licensing process" as it determines who will host the technology at the Confederations Cup and World Cup.